Hamills of Mullingar grows via innovation & heritage

Hamills of Mullingar was established in 1964 by Edward and Rose Hamill and three generations later is now headed up by their grandsons, Peter and Edward. The family ethos is still a core part of the business, according to Peter. “Even as we continue to invest in the latest technologies, the most sophisticated equipment and the most up-to-date training, being a family business remains an important part of our identity and continues to be the foundation of our commitment to delivering the  highest quality customer service. We have a heritage of supplying top quality motoring services to our customers for 56 years and that gives us the inspiration to deliver ever higher standards in the future.”

Hamills offers four key services, roadside assistance, car rental, vehicle maintenance and tyres. In the roadside assistance section of the business, Hamills offers a complete breakdown and accident management service nationwide. Whether a motorist has just run out of fuel, locked keys in the boot or needs a flat tyre changed, Peter says that Hamills can help.

Recovery and maintenance work was designated as an essential service throughout the initial lockdown earlier in 2020 and the Hamills team continued to work throughout that time. “We made a host of changes to meet, and where possible,  exceed hygiene requirements, including the use of sanitisers, protective gloves and protective covers for gear sticks and seats, with the primary objective of ensuring the safety of the people we are attending at roadsides and the safety of our drivers.

A personalised approach
Hamills has been in the car rental business since it was first set up, starting out with a fleet of two vehicles in 1964. Since then, this aspect of the business has shown consistent growth to the point where Hamills has established itself as one of Ireland’s leading independent car rental operations, providing customers with vehicles in over 5,000 locations not just in Ireland but internationally. “We offer a personalised approach, providing first class service, the best price and unrivalled quality.”

Hamills also has a Tyre Market division where its experts have a combined knowledge of over 100 years in the industry, Peter states. “We carry thousands of new tyres in stock so you are sure to receive the best choice and service at all times. Anything we don't have in stock is generally available next day or for special delivery.”  Peter notes that Edward’s vast experience and knowledge of the tyre industry has been a tremendous asset to the business.

As Hamills celebrates 56 years in business and faces the challenges of 2021, what does Peter see as the key factor that drives the business forward? “It’s a combination of factors, rather than any one thing. Since the sixties when Edward and Rose set up the business, one principle has been constant: a commitment to give our customers a top class service from start to finish, whether it’s roadside recovery/assistance, maintenance, car rental or tyres.  

Tremendous support
“We’ve also benefitted from the tremendous support of other local garages and dealers who have been loyal customers across three generations. And huge thanks is due to our dedicated staff, without whom we would not have won the SIMI Irish Motor Industry Vehicle Recovery Operator of the Year Award or been able to consistently grow the business over the years.”

Peter is cautiously positive about 2021: “Fingers crossed, we’ll get a lift in 2021 as the year progresses. Our 2020 plans have, in effect, become our 2021 plans. We’ve invested in a new 24 foot-long DAF truck for our recovery work, with a body built by Nugents in Dungannon. It’s got an excellent loading angle, the body is big enough for large vans and it can handle a half-ton payload. There’s still uncertainty around how the year will develop but with vaccines on the horizon, there’s cause for optimism and we’re approaching 2021 with a positive outlook.”